Epicuris passes gate test; Treve readies for next week’s
return
Juddmonte Farms’ Criterium de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) hero Epicuris (Rail Link) came through a stalls test at Chantilly Thursday
morning, but trainer Criquette Head-Maarek cannot rest on her laurels
ahead of the May 31 Prix du Jockey Club (Fr-G1).
While the bay successfully passed through the
gates, he did so only accompanied by Nicolas Blondeau, the man renowned
for helping Goldikova at the start of races.
With the
rules different in France to England, Head-Maarek will now apply for
special dispensation for Blondeau to be with the bay colt at the start of the French Derby. Epicuris needed to pass a stalls test after refusing
to enter them before his scheduled run in the Prix Greffulhe (Fr-G2).
“He went in so they have agreed to let him run,” Head-Maarek said. “The only problem is, he only goes in with the same man
each time, Nicolas Blondeau, so we are asking if he can come when he
races. In England it wouldn’t be a problem but the rules are different here.
“We tried him without (Blondeau), first time
he went in fine, but the second time he wouldn’t. He obviously trusts
him, but horses are like women — they can be a bit funny!
“So, I’m
smiling that he’s passed the test, but I’m not pleased. We need to write to
the stewards so I’m not sure when we’ll find out if they will let Blondeau
come.”
Head-Maarek also reported on the star of her shedrow — Al Shaqab Racing’s dual Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
(Fr-G1) queen Treve (Motivator).
The five-year-old mare is “spot on” ahead of her return to
action next week in the Prix Corrida (Fr-G3) at Saint-Cloud. Treve will attempt to win a third Arc at the end of the season, something no
horse in history has ever done.
“Treve will run next Friday in the Prix Corrida,” Head-Maarek
stated. “She galloped on Tuesday at Chantilly under Thierry Jarnet
and went very nicely. I think she’s spot on. If she wins or runs very
well then the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) at the end of July is her
first major aim.”
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